Zebra Swallowtail
Common NameZebra Swallowtail
Scientific NameEurytides marcellus
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)75
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsblack, white
HabitatOpen woodlands, forest edges, fields, stream banks
Geographic RangeEastern United States (from southern New England west to eastern Nebraska and south to Florida and Texas), parts of southern Ontario, Canada
Host PlantsAsimina triloba, Asimina parviflora, Asimina reticulata, Asimina incana, Asimina obovata
Flight PeriodMarch to October (multiple broods, varies by latitude)
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on pawpaw leaves. Larvae are green or dark with yellow bands, feeding exclusively on pawpaw. Pupae are either green or brown, camouflaged as leaves or twigs, and the species overwinters as a chrysalis.
Identification TipsEasily identified by its distinctive black and white zebra-like stripes and the long, sword-like tails on its hindwings. Often found near pawpaw trees, its larval host plant.
Description
A medium-sized swallowtail butterfly with striking black and white striped wings, long, slender tails on its hindwings, and often subtle blue and red markings near the tails.
